The global animal genetics market is projected to grow from approximately USD 2.97 billion in 2024 to USD 4.19 billion by 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7.1 % during the forecast period. This growth is largely driven by rising global demand for animal-derived protein, expanding adoption of advanced genetic materials by breeders, and the deployment of genomic technologies in livestock and companion animal markets.
As the livestock industry evolves toward precision breeding and genetic optimisation, the animal genetics sector plays a critical role in enhancing productivity, disease resistance, and sustainability. Emerging technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and genomic selection, are enabling breeders and genetic-material providers to deliver high-value solutions to meet animal-protein demand and improve herd performance.
Key Growth Drivers
Demand for Animal-Derived Protein & Superior Breeds
Global population growth, urbanisation and changing dietary preferences are intensifying demand for meat, dairy and other animal-derived products. This drives livestock producers and animal breeders to adopt genetically superior animals and breeding materials to increase yield, feed efficiency and disease resilience. In this context, the adoption of premium genetics forms a core part of the animal genetics market’s growth.
Adoption of Genetic Materials & Advanced Breeding Technologies
Genetic materials—including semen, embryos and live animals—are increasingly used to drive productivity and genetic improvement in livestock and dairy sectors. Breeding techniques such as artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET), and genomic selection are being embraced globally, supporting growth of both product and service segments in animal genetics.
Genomic Technologies & NGS for Precision Breeding
High-throughput genomic technologies, particularly NGS (next-generation sequencing), are reshaping the animal genetics landscape. NGS enables breeders to analyse single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), lineage, hereditary disease markers and production traits at scale and cost-effectively. The increasing sophistication and accessibility of genomic tools underpin enhanced adoption of genetics in animal breeding programmes.
Strategic Growth & Market Expansion by Leading Players
Major players in the animal genetics market are deploying strategies such as product launches, acquisitions, partnerships and global expansions to build scale and extend their reach in both developed and emerging markets. These strategies are central to maintaining market share and responding to evolving breeder demands.
Market Segmentation Insights
By Animal Type: Bovine Leading Growth
When segmented by animal type, the bovine segment (cattle and dairy/ beef breeds) is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is due to surging demand for high-quality dairy and meat products, especially in emerging economies. Breeders are increasingly leveraging superior bovine genetics to meet production targets and improve disease resistance.
By Products & Services: Genetic Materials Segment Dominant
Within the products & services classification, the genetic materials segment (comprising semen and embryos) holds the largest market share. Semen dominates within this segment, benefiting from its cost-efficiency, ease of transport, and wide adoption in artificial insemination programmes globally. Demand for genetically improved breeding stock continues to underpin volume growth in this area.
By Technology: NGS Segment Commands Largest Share
In the technology dimension, the NGS segment leads, due to its ability to deliver high-throughput, accurate genetic analysis at relatively low cost per test. NGS enables detailed trait analysis, lineage tracking and precision breeding programmes—key to advanced livestock management.
By End User: Animal Farms Lead Adoption
Among end-users, animal farms hold the largest share—driven by the pressing need among commercial livestock operations to boost productivity, profitability and disease resilience through advanced genetic solutions. Large-scale farms are increasingly adopting genetics tools to stay competitive and meet regulatory and consumer demands for high-quality output.
By Region: Europe Registers Strong Share
Geographically, Europe stands out as the region with the largest market share in 2023, supported by strong breeding programmes, advanced research infrastructure and high-value food-product markets. Countries like Germany, the UK and France contribute significantly, and the presence of global market players adds further momentum. Emerging markets in Asia Pacific and Latin America also present considerable growth opportunities.
Competitive Landscape
The animal genetics market is populated by prominent global players such as:
- Neogen Corporation (US)
- Genus PLC (UK)
- Genetic Technologies Limited (Australia)
- URUS (US)
- Select Sires, Inc. (US)
- Groupe Grimaud (France)
- CRV Holding (Netherlands)
- Topigs Norsvin (Netherlands)
- Zoetis, Inc. (US)
- Animal Genetics, Inc. (US)
These companies are actively pursuing strategies like R&D investment, strategic acquisitions, partnerships, and geographic expansion to build differentiated product portfolios and expand breeder access globally.
Future Outlook & Strategic Implications
The animal genetics market is entering a phase of sustained transformation:
- Precision breeding and sustainability: With increasing emphasis on climate-resilient livestock and animal welfare, breeding programmes focus not only on yield but also on disease resistance, environmental adaptability and ethical standards.
- Emerging market expansion: Countries in Asia Pacific, Latin America and Africa—with growing livestock populations and rising consumption of animal-derived protein—offer significant growth potential for genetics providers.
- Integration of digital genomics and analytics: The fusion of genomic data with farm management software, breeding-decision tools and performance analytics enhances the value proposition of genetics solutions.
- Regulatory and ethical dimensions: As genetic technologies evolve, regulatory oversight, animal-welfare considerations and intellectual-property management become increasingly relevant for breeders and genetics companies.
- Service models and genetics as a service (GaaS): Beyond selling genetics materials, companies are offering advisory, analytics, and breeding-programme support services to enable farms to deploy genetics with greater ROI.
Conclusion The global animal genetics market is poised for solid growth through 2029, driven by rising protein demand, adoption of superior genetics, and rapid progress in genomic technologies. Bovine genetics, semen materials, NGS analytics, and large-scale animal farms represent key growth vectors. With markets in Europe retaining strong share, and emerging regions offering expansion potential, stakeholders across livestock breeding, genetics services and agricultural technology should closely monitor developments in this evolving sector.
